Diabetes is a complex disease. Managing it effectively is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. The American Diabetes Association (Association) believes that every person living with diabetes should have access to the care, treatments, tools, and information needed to successfully manage their diabetes.
We know that a single therapeutic approach does not and will not work for all people with diabetes. The complexities of managing diabetes are unique to each individual, based on health history, lifestyle, and other important factors.
Day-to-day management of diabetes-which requires a constant process of self-assessment and self-treatment for individuals who depend on insulin-rests squarely with the individual living with the disease. It is critical that these individuals have the opportunity to work with their healthcare providers to choose the therapeutic approaches that best meet their needs. Partnerships between insurers and vendors that limit therapeutic choices may impair a patient’s access to certain treatments and tools, and adversely affect patient outcomes.
For more than 75 years, a core component of our mission has been to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. The Association believes individualized care with access to multiple treatment options is essential to better outcomes for people living with diabetes.
This statement was posted on the Association’s website (www.diabetes.org) on May 10.